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The Air Force Combat Action Medal

Source: Directorate of Airman Development and Sustainment

CRITERIA

1. On 26 January 2007 the SECAF approved establishment of the air force combat action medal (AFCAM) to recognize any military member of the air force (airmen thru colonel) who actively participated in combat (ground or air). The principal eligibility criterion is that the individual must have been under direct and hostile fire while operating in enemy domain (outside the wire), or physically engaging hostile forces with direct and lethal fire.

2. Combat conditions defined: for the purposes of this award, combat conditions are met when: 1) individuals deliberately go outside the wire to conduct official duties — either ground or air; and 2) they come under enemy attack by lethal weapons while performing those duties; and 3) are at risk of grave danger. Or 1) individuals defending the base (on the wire); and 2) come under fire and engage the enemy with direct and lethal fire; and 3) are at risk of grave danger, also meet the intent of combat conditions for this award. Additionally, personnel in ground operations who actively engage the enemy with direct and lethal fire may qualify even if no direct fire is taken — as long as there was risk of grave danger and other criteria are met. Central to the integrity of this combat recognition is the adherence to these combat condition prerequisites.

3. This award consists of a medal and a ribbon.

SYMBOLISM

OBVERSE: The eagle represents strength and vigilance and embodies the American spirit of freedom. The star and eagle, adapted from the art insignia on the aircraft of Billy Mitchell, gives this medal the heritage and honor of that history. Billy Mitchell was an airpower advocate who planned and led the first coordinated air-ground offensive in history during World War I. The eagle is facing toward the olive branch for peace and emphasizes looking forward to peace while the arrows represent lethal capability. The laurel wreath is symbolic of respect and high achievement.

RIBBON: The colors of the ribbon, scarlet and yellow, are taken from the background colors of Billy Mitchell’s aircraft insignia.